How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. The security of your van is an absolute priority and there are a variety of strategies you can use to deter thieves and ensure your tools are safe.
Slamlocks secure doors when you close them and are beneficial for couriers who make small drops or are susceptible to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering or tinting windows, and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With so many vans being utilized as a means of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and prevent unauthorised entry. Standard locks, which are usually installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security but can be easily bypassed by determined thieves. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
When selecting a vanlock, you should consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This means that the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. The slamlock is a further factor to take into. It locks automatically the doors of the load area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is ideal for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans in between deliveries. The hook lock is another option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to guard against 'peel and steal' attacks.
click through the up coming website is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and ensures smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to spot the signs of wear and damage and address them immediately. This can prevent security vulnerabilities from developing.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies are aware of robust security solutions providing favorable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
The strengthening of your van's lock is among the best methods to ward off robbers. By installing high-strength or slam locks your van's doors will be more secure and less difficult to break into. This is especially important if you intend to use your van to transport expensive equipment or valuable cargo.
A slam lock operates automatically as soon as the door is shut which means you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be tampered with and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van all day long and not lock the door at the end of each trip. It also assists in fighting the petty thieves who just open the door of your vehicle and take whatever they can, including the tools that you need to do your job.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks that are available that come with extra security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for uses, like those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport lots of valuable goods.
Deadlocks are a good option for those who need more protection than what an slamlock could provide. These locks operate independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the key supplied. Alternatively, you could purchase a hook lock, which operates similarly, but provides additional security through a deadlocking hook bolt which is inserted into the opposing body section and is operated with the supplied key under total control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your van more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting light signals into electrical signals and then converting those signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery in your vehicle or an cigarette-lighter.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to make room for new recordings, however they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity in case you wish to save more video information. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, which eliminates the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network, or both and upload data at various intervals.
Another thing to consider is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can endure the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams that can record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing into tight spaces or when you're parking. Certain cameras have night vision, which can enhance the images in low-light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners add this feature to the system. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an excellent benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular among those who love exploring and traveling However, it has its own risks. People who live in their cars are often at the mercy of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are many ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo but one of the best is an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts if anyone gets into your vehicle. They can also be helpful in reducing insurance premiums, which can save you money over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have a base station, keypad and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarms even have a built in motion sensor that detects any movement in your vehicle and notify your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who is a potential thief, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they strike.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to make it more secure. These locks require a key for operation, and they're much harder to tamper with than normal locks. A good option is to choose a lock able to be operated with an app for smartphones, so you can check on your van when you're away.
Many van alarms are also equipped with an engine immobilizer, that will shut down the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great security measure, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. It is best to utilize a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from running and send you the location of your vehicle when it is removed.
Insurance
Vans are a vital resource for many businesses and securing their contents is a top priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system give peace of mind, but it can also lower insurance costs as insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating premiums.
The make, model and year of your van will impact your insurance rates and your driving record. The area where you live and work can also affect your rates, since higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your vehicle since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.
If you're planning to make any major van modifications it is important to speak with your insurer beforehand as it could have an impact on the cost of your policy. The cost of your insurance may also increase by adding any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an effective method to deter thieves, since they'll think twice before trying to break into.
Another essential element of van life is insurance that covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can buy comprehensive physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies it's important to keep in mind that the most affordable option isn't necessarily the best. Compare the limits of coverage as well as deductibles and other advantages to find the most appropriate policy for your requirements. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth considering gap insurance as it will pay for the difference between your car's actual cash value and any remaining balance on your loan, if it's repaid in total.